Kolo

Latvia

1. History

Kolo-Yar, dating from around 500 AD, is an ancient Baltic Slavs form of co-ordinated body movements, focusing on the cultivation of internal energy (called "Kolo"). Its aim is to harmonize the mind, body and spirit, promoting both mental and physical well-being, through softness and relaxation. It is also applicable as an effective system of self-defence. When practised correctly, the movements (or Form) of Kolo-Yar appear rhythmical, effortless and in continuous flow. Through such practice the student becomes revitalised, relaxed, tolerant, self-confident and stronger and healthier in both mind and body. Unlike most forms of exercise and sport, Kolo-Yar does not rely on strength, force and speed, making it ideal for people of both sexes, young and old alike whether strong or weak. It is this approach that makes Kolo-Yar such a unique art, and one that brings benefits in many areas. Each movement of Kolo-Yar has a logical practical combat application. If a posture cannot be used, the Form is clearly incorrect. At a high level, Kolo-Yar movements simultaneously achieve the apparent paradox of effortlessness and tremendous power. The subtlety of such skill can not be adequately described - ONLY FELT. Many Martial Arts attempt to transcend the physical but few achieve it. Everything that relates to Kolo Yar has the sun (day) - the moon (night) components -- from the philosophy, the physical movement, the training to the functions of the art. Many people practice Kolo Yar today as a health exercise but it is as well a very effective internal martial art. Kolo Yar, with its soft and slow movements, may be difficult to accept as a fighting system for some people, but that's what it is, that's what it has been for many generations. In slavs traditional martial art training, the emphasis of Kolo Yar is more on the preparation and development of internal power than the individual technique as in most external martial art styles. There is hardly training in specific applications. This is why it is difficult for a beginner to understand and see the technical skill in Kolo Yar. Unless one is trained under a knowledgeable teacher, a practitioner can spend decade or more and still not be sure how to correctly apply each movement in fighting. A philosophy of Kolo Yar combat is that if you say there is technique, there is none. If you say that there is not, the technique is everywhere. This is like the water supporting the boat: the boat is always on top of the water although the boat has done nothing. In martial art training, it is essential for the practitioner to prepare his or her physical condition for combat. In Kolo Yar, the practitioner does not rehearse for the combat itself which is an unpredictable situation. The training is not focused on the application of each individual movement but on developing oneself totally so that the body becomes nimble and flexible, the feet mobile, the hands are fast, and there is correct timing in execution. These are the essential ingredients in combat.

2. Philosophy

3. Contents

1) Technic

2) Style

Kolo Dar is one of the great treasures of the Russian-Slavs-Baltic (Slavic) culture. It has a long history in Russia. Today, people worldwide practice it as an art, a form of preventive medicine, and a health maintenance exercise. Because Kolo Dar is a slow, relaxed, gentle, physical exercise, it can be performed by people of all physical conditions and all age groups. One can engage in this art to keep fit from youth and continue to practice well into old age. Kolo Dar has been documented to strengthen one's immune system. It was published in PREVENTION magazine that people who practiced Kolo Dar in a study had higher white blood cell counts than those who did not. All forms of activity require energy as the source of power. Kolo Dar, because of its characteristics as a slow, relaxed, smooth, gentle exercise, it is an ideal exercise for people of all health conditions and ages. Cultivation of life is equivalent to preservation of life. It involves exercising all the body's physiologic organs in moderation so that these organs will function for longer duration. Practicing the slow and gentle movements of Kolo Dar is the best method of cultivating life. Although the movements are slow and gentle, they are very scientific. They work on every part of the body to keep all physiologic organs in good condition. With its slow, soft, continuous and relaxed movements, it is different from most common calisthenics exercises which are physically demanding. Kolo Dar movements are based on some of the characteristics of human physiology. Therefore, when one practices Kolo Dar, one should relax the body to improve the blood circulation, the nervous system, open the pores on the skin so the skin can "breath". Performing the movements properly will also help keep the body and back upright to support the skeletal system to set the bones in their proper alignments. Kolo Dar is an exercise in which one invests enough physical effort but with a minimum output of energy. It correctly fits the concept of cultivation. When one practices Kolo Dar, the white blood cells inside the body increase, which in turn can balance the body's internal environment and help to improve health and delay the degeneration process of the endocrine system's function and other physiologic organ functions. Kolo Dar is an exercise which emphasizes relaxation and tranquility. When one is calm and relaxed, the nervous system is refreshed and more efficient. Therefore, when one practices Kolo Dar in a natural relaxed manner, it is better for the central nervous system and many physiologic organ functions. Kolo Dar practice gives the active portion of the nervous system a chance to re-charge and be restored, while making the inactive portion of the nervous system become active so that the nervous system becomes balanced. In addition, the stretching and relaxation of the body in Kolo Dar practice helps those people who have sedentary careers to improve and restore their muscle functions as well as improve their blood circulation. The relaxed, natural, soft, stretched, tranquil, gentle, slow and circular motions required in Kolo Dar practice provide the best method to support all the physiologic organ functions. When one practices Kolo Dar regularly, the body is maintained in a healthy condition. The Slav martial artist learns how to concentrate his mind through meditation or other training so that it can lead his Chi efficiently. This significantly increases his power and makes his techniques more effective. The martial artist also learns through meditation to use his Chi to raise his spirit and also his morality. Through correct training, the mind can reach a very calm and peaceful state. The real "Dabo" (Dao) of Slav martial arts Kolo aims for both spirit and skills. The correct way of training is to perfect oneself both in techniques and spirit, not to conquer others. Only then can you obtain the full benefits of good health and lead a meaningful life.

3) Rank & Grade

4. Organization

□ website
kolo.do.am